Boeing awarded $1.59bn

recently announced the signing of a $1.59bn contract to provide four 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems for

's EX program.

Boeing will also provide ground support segments for flight and mission crew training, mission support and aircraft and system modification support.

Delivery of the first 737 AEW&C aircraft is scheduled for 2011. The remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2012.

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems will provide a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, the critical sensor on board the 737 AEW&C. According to Boeing, the MESA array is designed to provide optimal performance in range, tracking and accuracy. It is able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously and can help crew direct fighter aircraft while continuously scanning the operational area.

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) will perform aircraft modification and mission equipment modification and checkout. Modification of the first aircraft will take place at a Boeing facility. KAI will modify the remaining aircraft in Sachon, Korea.

Boeing has sold 10 737 AEW&C aircraft to date: six for Australia's Project Wedgetail and four for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.

The first Wedgetail aircraft successfully completed an aircraft performance and flight handling test program in 2005. Additionally, airborne radar testing is under way on the second Wedgetail at Boeing facilities in Seattle. Wedgetail aircraft numbers three and four are undergoing modifications at a Boeing Australia facility in Amberley.

Turkey's first Peace Eagle aircraft is undergoing modifications at Boeing facilities in Seattle, while TUSAS Aerospace Industries is modifying Peace Eagle aircraft numbers two and three in Ankara, Turkey.